October 17, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Andrew Cogliano (7) moves in to score a goal against Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Second Star: Andrew Cogliano, LW (1 G, 16:35 TOI, SHG)
Cogliano’s goal was the turning point of the game. The team looked like it was headed towards an inevitable loss before Cogliano beat everybody to put in a backhand past Kuemper. After that, the Ducks played much better, escaping the defensive zone and playing a cleaner game while looking like the very good team that many expect Anaheim to be.
Cogliano had not had a great season up to this point, having no points and a -1 rating through four games this year. However, he scored a career-high 21 goals last season in playing a largely defensive role. This shorthanded goal brought life to the team tonight, and it could be the launching point for Cogliano to turn in another great season for the Ducks.